1968

A versatile and accomplished pianist, Debbie won the Miss America title playing the Oscar-winning song "Born Free" in four variations. Today, she has over 35 years of piano teaching experience, including her current position at Missouri Southern State University (http://www.MSSU.edu). In private instruction or in the "class piano" format, her students have ranged in age from five to eighty-seven.

A graduate of Pittsburg State University, Debbie still maintains an active performance schedule that to date includes performances in forty-one states and three foreign countries, on network television, and numerous cable stations. Her performances include two concertos with the PSU Orchestra, Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the Carthage Symphonic Band, and a recent appearance on Trinity Broadcasting Network's "Praise the Lord" along with Miss Americas Cheryl Prewitt Salem and Tara Dawn Holland Christensen. In addition, she is also the music director for Full Faith Church of Carthage, Missouri.

Debbie is also a highly regarded motivational speaker, and travels regularly addressing many churches, youth and women's groups. She has also been active as a volunteer court advocate for domestic violence victims in Jasper County. The mother of two married daughters, Debra Miles deeply enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren. Debbie says, "My year of service as Miss America was very gratifying and a most memorable experience. My faith, commitment to the church and service as being a witness for Jesus Christ is a very exciting and exhilarating experience."